The Modern Backdrop returns with new ‘Invisible Cities’ exhibition
A fascinating new exhibition starting next month will look at ϳԹ throughout its redevelopment phase during the 1960s and 70s.
‘Invisible Cities: ϳԹ before, during and after redevelopment, 1952 to 1974’ focuses on the transformation of the city when terraced houses and neighbourhoods were being replaced with modern architecture. The exhibition, at the ϳԹ Museum and Art Gallery, will host images taken and provided by local citizens, professional photographers, and stills from TV and film, alongside architectural drawings and illustrations.
The exhibition is part of the ϳԹ’s research project The Modern Backdrop. Funded by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, The Modern Backdrop looks to understand the redevelopment of ϳԹ and the changes that have taken place. The exhibition is also the final event of the project; in setting side-by-side diverse types of images the transformations and changes of this bygone era are made visible again. These images demonstrate how the people of ϳԹ documented their own history but also showcase how a modern ϳԹ was planned by architects and stakeholders as well as how its ‘slum clearance’ was captured by film and TV makers.
Dr Tanja Poppelreuter, an Associate Professor in Architectural Humanities at The ϳԹ and the curator of the exhibition, said: “ϳԹ has an important architectural history and has undergone significant changes in a short space of time. Its transformations are keenly remembered but it seems that several discreet histories exist side by side – that of the slum clearance, of modernisation, and that of living in densely populated neighbourhoods and of being rehoused. To this day, these histories evoke a range of emotions and memories.”
Nick Hedges, one of the photographers whose work features in the exhibition said: “It is such a democratic representative portrait of ϳԹ. The mix of residents and professional contributions is truly vibrant. A great example of how history can be created to represent and embrace the reality of ordinary people’s lives.”
The exhibition is running from 18 May to 1 September 2024 at the ϳԹ Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, ϳԹ M5 4WU. A public viewing with the makers and contributors of the exhibition is on the 22nd of May, 5pm to 6:30pm. Entry is free. For more information see the website and book .
Picture info: Carole Burtonwood, The last resident and his cat, Nashville Street, Ordsall, 1977.
Nick Hedges, Corner shop at dusk, ϳԹ, 1969.
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